In 2019, the UN was unequivocal: “If we do not take action by 2020, we will not be able to avoid catastrophic climate events.”
The IPCC report, geopolitical instability, infinite growth in a finite world… Do these issues worry you? Would you like to take action for a more united and eco-friendly world, but don’t know where to start? Then why not take part in an immersive course at an eco-centre! All courses and training programmes here.
The Ecological Site, or the Science of Ecology
An eco-village is a community living in the countryside that operates according to ecological principles such as biodiversity, permaculture, self-sufficiency and health. The ecovillage that has designed this 5-day course is situated in the heart of the Cévennes. It offers an immersive experience at the heart of an environment focused on resilience. Aware of the tipping point our civilisation is facing, its founder takes a positive view of the possibility of rethinking, in a scientific manner, our ecological niche.
A real-life ecology laboratory!
The five permanent residents of the eco-village are therefore seeking to establish an ecological niche within a community setting, with the aim of meeting human needs as comfortably as possible whilst enhancing the site’s biodiversity. Still in the research phase, the team is bringing to life what appears to be an experimental laboratory for the world of tomorrow. Their project has won the support of the Cévennes National Park as well as that of the École des Mines, where one of the students is expected to devote their thesis to it.
Choose between: a course with a greater focus on practical skills or on theory
You will enjoy an immersive, community-based experience in the heart of nature. These courses offer an introduction to the science of ecology and its practical applications. The teaching is based on the daily practices of the community that lives there year-round. There is a strong emphasis on passing on knowledge, which is close to the hearts of the entire team.
You will learn the basics needed to settle and live in an eco-community. The course is organised into theoretical and practical workshops, interspersed with walks in the countryside and activities, to help you live together in an eco-friendly way.
The work placement at the eco-centre
Take part in a range of hands-on workshops, get stuck in and discover the skills needed to set up an eco-living space (a way of life in harmony with nature): permaculture, low-tech solutions, ecological engineering, eco-renovation, plant-based cooking… You’ll become a true post-modern Robinson Crusoe!
- Permaculture: you’ll learn the basics of permaculture, focusing on the needs of plants and soil. You’ll soon move on to practical work, such as sowing seeds and planting…
- Vegetarian and locally sourced cuisine: Chestnut bread, Linden pesto…
- Landscape engineering: dry hedges, earthworks, forest paths…
- Low-tech: carbon footprint, the principles of low-tech, design of a portable solar dryer…
- Eco-renovation: insulation principles, natural materials, preparing the earth…
- Powwow: A powwow is a gathering to celebrate the year by bringing the community together. Celebrate the week you’ve spent together with some surprises!
- Session: The workshops are carried out together to foster a collaborative learning environment and enjoy the group dynamic when the machines fall silent…
The ecology work placement at the eco-centre
Take a walk around Organique, in the Cévennes National Park, to discover the beauty and workings of nature: ecology will hold no more secrets for you. Explore Organique from top to bottom to discover the practices, their rationale and how they work, so that you can learn to live in harmony with nature whilst caring for it.
- Flora & Fauna: observing species in their natural habitats, adaptation and evolution, biodiversity…
- Climate & Soil: climate and weather, climates in the Cévennes, microclimates…
- Matter & Energy: photosynthesis, the food chain, the cycle of matter…
- Water & Ecosystems: the water cycle, blue water, green water, grey water, black water…
- Food: supplies, wild edibles
- Permaculture: the concept of dwelling, ecological urbanisation, vernacular housing
- Housing and Energy: the concept of living, sustainable urban development
- Food: supplies, wild edibles, permaculture
- Natural resources: water, soil, microclimate
- From Sunday 19 to Saturday 25 July 2026
- From Sunday 26 July to Saturday 1 August 2026
- From Sunday 2 to Saturday 8 August 2026
- From Sunday 9 to Saturday 15 August 2026
- From Sunday 16 to Saturday 22 August 2026
- From Sunday 23 to Saturday 29 August 2026
Prices
The “Nature and Ecolieu” course operates on a pay-what-you-can basis. To confirm your booking, you must pay the cost of accommodation, meals and facilities: a total of 360 euros.
At the end of the course, you will pay an additional voluntary contribution to cover the cost of running the course, based on what you feel is fair and within your means.
In the event of cancellation more than 30 days before the start of your course, a fee of 50 euros will be deducted from your refund. In the event of cancellation 30 days or less before the start of your course, no refund will be possible.
VISITING WITH THE FAMILY AND CHILDREN
(PRICES: €360 for those aged 15 and over, €310 for those aged 10 and over, €260 for those aged 5 and over + voluntary contribution)
Organic is a family experience for all ages! We recommend you come during the week of 16–26 July. However, you are welcome to visit during another week; the programme will then be tailored to an adult audience.
Who is the nature and eco-village immersion course aimed at?
The nature immersion and eco-village courses are aimed at individuals, groups and families who wish to commit to a path of change. They are aimed at anyone seeking to stop contributing to the perpetuation of a destructive civilisation, and who instead want to see the emergence of a fairer and more environmentally friendly society. No specific skills are required.
- Are you looking for a magical, rejuvenating, wild experience?
- In an eco-friendly spot surrounded by nature?
- Would you like to gain more independence and freedom, whilst helping to protect biodiversity?
- Are you looking for answers and making progress with your project?
- Do you enjoy spending quality time with lovely people?
This course is just the thing for you!
Supervision
Two trainers with over 20 years’ experience.
Accommodation and meals
Your lifestyle will be 100% eco-friendly. You’ll stay in a fully equipped campsite,
and fresh, seasonal, local and organic meals will be served.
The venue
8 hectares of woodland within the Cévennes National Park, a Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Dark Sky Reserve!
About the eco-village
Behind this eco-village is a family consisting of a couple and four children. The two founders, who are experienced and qualified in agronomy, ecology and project management, as well as keen DIY enthusiasts, purchased an 8-hectare estate in January 2018 that required complete restoration, with the aim of turning it into an eco-village. Very quickly, a collective was formed and launched the School of Applied Ecology. The school aims to raise public awareness of the science of ecology and train experts in the transition of rural areas through a participatory approach. The team is seeking to find an ecological niche within a habitat for its collective, without harming biodiversity. The collective is currently in the research phase. Its aim is to meet all its needs through direct engagement with nature, without relying on any commercial channels. For the team, this experiment is not intended to be dogmatic but rather scientific. As such, it is working in partnership with the École des Mines.
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